Did you dog feed on garlic accidentally? You might feel alarmed, thinking that garlic will cause all sorts of health problems for your furry companion. But is there really something to be concerned about? Garlic comes with an array of health benefits, not only for humans but dogs as well. But just with any food, too much garlic can be harmful to your pet. So can dogs eat garlic? Keep reading to find out the answer.
If you do a quick online search, you will find that garlic is almost always included on the list of poisonous plants for dogs. Many experts, however, explain that garlic offers so many health benefits. Garlic can help your dog prevent blood clots, decrease high cholesterol levels, prevent tumor formation, and widen blood vessels.
Some dog owners have also shared their positive experience with garlic as a flea repellent. Feeding dogs with garlic allows it to build up in the dog’s natural coat oil. After a couple of weeks, your dog will ward off fleas and ticks effectively without using any kind of special shampoo.
The problem, however, is that dogs metabolize garlic differently than humans. Garlic belongs to the allium family, the members of which are known to be toxic to dogs. One of the most common problems associated with garlic consumption in dogs is hemolytic anemia. Other health conditions to watch out for include diarrhea, dehydration, and loss of appetite.
Many studies show that 15 to 30 grams of garlic per kilogram of body weight can lead to harmful effects in a dog’s blood. A clove of garlic has an average weight of 3 to 7 grams. If you crunch the numbers, then you’ll see that your dog needs to eat a lot of garlic to get sick. But you should understand that certain dog breeds are more sensitive than others. You also need to consider that some food contains garlic, which can be harmful when added up.
In general, it’s best to avoid garlic especially if your dog is pregnant. Plenty of changes are going on in an expectant mother’s body. Not to mention, garlic can alter the taste of breast milk. Garlic is also a huge no-no for puppies under the age of six months. Also, ask your veterinarian regarding the sensitivity level of your dog’s particular breed to garlic.
Garlic can also interact with some medications including insulin, immune suppressants, blood thinners, chemotherapy drugs, heart medications, and antacids. If your dog uses any of these drugs, make sure to avoid feeding them with garlic.
To be safe, you must prepare garlic carefully before giving it to your dog. Peel the cloves and then mince or crush the garlic. Allow it to sit for 10 to 15 minutes. Make sure that you do not exceed the safe amount based on the body weight of your dog. After preparing the right amount, mix the garlic with dog food.
Too much of anything can be harmful to your dog. Garlic is no exemption. But if you take the time to learn how much garlic to feed and how to prepare it properly, then you shouldn’t be worried about compromising your beloved dog’s health. The next time you hear anyone asking “can dogs eat garlic,” you know what to respond.
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